Best Selling Books by Patricia MacLachlan

After her grandfather''s death, Cassie longs for an orderliness to life -'' a pattern -'' that doesn''t exist among her raucous, loving family. But during an eventful summer by the sea, she begins to learn that some things do not stay the same forever. Colorful characters [and] Cassie''s continuing and believable growth in understanding herself and others [make] this novel so distinctive." ''C.

Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan paints a moving portrait of what it means to be a family, the power of love, and the importance of bringing the truth out into the light, in this beautiful and profound story about adoption. Nora and Ben’s younger sister Birdy loves to keep secrets. She surprises her family more than once: She hides a kitten in her room. She writes a beautiful poem. One day Birdy watches her mother spit into a tube, ready to send it off to find out more about herself and where her family came from. Birdy spits into a tube, too, when no one sees her. But when the test results come back, they are a surprise. Birdy is seemingly not related to Nora and Ben’s parents. But if she is adopted, how could that have happened without the children knowing? Nora and Ben must learn when to keep a secret, and who to go to for help—and eventually, how to solve this secret for the entire family.

Taking care of a baby left with them at the end of the tourist season helps a family come to terms with the death of their own infant son.

Tomorrow''s Wizard, his unorthodox apprentice, Murdoch, and a wise horse make five important wishes come true in ways that surprise the wishers.

This beloved Newbery Medal–winning book is the first of five books in Patricia MacLachlan''s chapter book series about the Witting family. Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna''s point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa''s advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay? This children''s literature classic is perfect for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder''s Little House on the Prairie books, historical fiction, and timeless stories using rich and beautiful language, and it''s a strong choice for independent reading. Sarah, Plain and Tall gently explores themes of abandonment, loss, and love. This anniversary edition includes author Patricia MacLachlan''s Newbery speech, a discussion guide, and a reading list. Read the rest of the Sarah books by Patricia MacLachlan: Skylark, Caleb’s Story, More Perfect than the Moon, and Grandfather’s Dance.

"Lucy''s father is a minor league baseball player, a professional pitcher hoping to get called up to the majors, and Lucy inherited his passion for the game. But she''s never played pitcher. She worries her skills would be compared to her dad''s and she''d never measure up. And his pitching may mean big things for his career and their family, but it''s also what keeps him away from home so much of the year. ... This summer, Lucy wants to learn to throw the perfect knuckleball"--

A mother relates the events of a peaceful day along the banks of Lake Tanganyika to her baby, wrapped up and ready for sleep.

Gus herds his people like sheep. Abby loves borrowing slippers. And once, Mr. Beefy ate a pie. It''s a dog''s life. Filled with squeaky toys, mischief, and plenty of naps. Every dog has a tail to wag and a tale to tell. Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest asked this collection of canines to speak up with their own words, barks, and yips.

Everybody has good days and bad days. Today Emily is having a sick day. Her stomach aches and her throat feels sore. Fortunately Father is home to take care of her. He puts Emily to bed and tucks her in with her stuffed animals. But Emily wants more. She needs her blanket, and her favorite doll, and she wants her hair in ponytails. Father can barely keep up! And before either of them knows it, Emily and Father find they''ve turned this sick day into a special day together. From the Hardcover edition.

What makes a puppy''s day complete? Swimming and then shaking water all over you. Catching "presents" for you and then bringing them inside the house. Rolling in your nice wool sweater. Snuggling in your lap. In their second ode to canine companions, Patricia MacLachlan, Emily MacLachlan Charest, and Katy Schneider once again offer an irresistible glimpse into the mischievous canine mind. Captured here are adorable confessions and spirited accounts of the things that puppies do—and don''t do—while in search of love, adventure, and treats from the table.

While in North Dakota helping her Aunt Frankie prepare for a possible flood, Lucy finds her voice as a poet with the help of her two-year-old brother Teddy, the rest of their family, and a few cows.

Minna wishes for many things. She wishes she understood the quote taped above her mother''s typewriter:Fact and fiction are different truths. She wishes her mother would stop writing long enough to really listen to her. She wishes her house were peaceful and orderly like her friend Lucas''s. Most of all, she wishes she could find a vibrato on her cello and play Mozart the way he deserves to be played. Minna soon discovers that some things can''t be found-they just have to happen. And as she waits for her vibrato to happen, Minna begins to understand some facts and fictions about herself.

Barkus is back in this third installment of the warm and funny early chapter book series from the Newbery Medal–winning author, Patricia MacLachlan. The lovable dog Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this colorful and heartwarming book that''s just right for emerging readers and fans of series like Henry and Mudge and Juana and Lucas. PERFECT FOR NEW READERS: The simple text and engaging pictures are just right for readers ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own. CRITCALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES: The New York Times said, "The charm is infectious." and The Horn Book proclaimed, "Fans will be begging for more." BUDDY BOOKS ARE PERENNIAL: Friendships are an integral part of every child''s life. Barkus and his owner have lots of adventures together, but they also care about each other''s feelings and they love one another unconditionally. AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Patricia MacLachlan has written dozens of books which have received many awards including the prestigious Newbery Medal. From picture books to chapter books to novels, her characters always linger in the minds of readers long after the books are closed. INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTIST: Marc Boutavant is a star illustrator in France and has a rising profile throughout the world. Perfect for: parents and grandparents, educators, librarians

Illustrations and rhyming text follow an assortment of creatures as they make their way to a nest, the shore, or a porch while the day comes to an end and the moon begins to rise.

If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures? Find out in this beautiful, unusual picture book about one of the world''s most famous and influential artists by acclaimed author and Newbery Medal-winning Patricia MacLachlan and innovative illustrator Hadley Hooper. A Neal Porter Book

Celebrate Earth Day with this valentine to our wonderful planet from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves. She sprinkles whisper-white snow and protects the tiny seeds waiting for spring. Readers of all ages will pore over the pages of this spectacular book. Its enticing die-cut pages encourage exploration as its poetic text celebrates everything Earth does for us, all the while reminding us to be a good friend in return. • Interactive format and kid-friendly art will engage both toddlers and young readers. • A celebration of the natural world and rallying cry for positive action for Planet Earth • Great opportunities to share life science concepts and amazing facts about the environment with children This beautiful and innovative ode to our natural world will appeal to readers of Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, The Poet''s Dog, and Thank You, Earth. • Read aloud books for kids ages 3-5 • Earth books for kids • Climate change books for kids Patricia MacLachlan is an acclaimed author who has written dozens of books—from picture books to novels—including the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall and the Barkus series, also published by Chronicle Books. She lives in western Massachusetts. Francesca Sanna grew up on the Italian island of Sardinia. She studied illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Academy of Art and Design in Lucerne. Her book The Journey received five starred reviews and was lauded by the New York Times and the Guardian. Francesca currently lives in Zurich, but you can visit her at francescasanna.com.

Gathers selections from stories by Judy Blume, Roald Dahl, Beverly Cleary, James Howe, Ann M. Martin, Patricia MacLachlan, Betty Horvath, Johanna Hurwitz, Suzy Kline, Susan Wojciechowski, Dick King-Smith, and Miriam Cohen.

The chickens on the farm have a message for their farm owners! They’re tired of arugula salad, how about putting a fan in their hot coop, and HEY—watch out for that snake in your tent. As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!? With beautiful watercolor illustrations from New York Times bestseller Jarrett J. Krosoczka and heartwarming text by Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan, Chicken Talk is the perfect book to chuckle over, whether you live in the city or the country. Gather your family around for a delightful tale of surprise, chaos, and barnyard fun in Chicken Talk!

When their father invites a mail-order bride to visit them, Caleb and Anna hope that she will stay.

A young boy describes the favorite places that he shares with his family on his grandparents'' farm and in the nearby countryside.

In this deeply moving story of love and loss, Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan celebrates the beautiful relationship between children and grandparents as well as the nurturing world of nature. Grandfather shares his love of and information about birds with his grandchildren. Milo, the youngest who rarely talks, is especially attentive. When Grandfather can no longer see well, Milo helps him spot and take care of some of his favorite birds. The day comes when the children come home from school and Grandfather is no longer there; but Milo knows where he is--outside soaring through the sky is the bald eagle Grandfather wanted to be.

La joie est revenue dans la ferme où vivent Anna et son petit frère Caleb. On y fête le mariage de leur père, Jacob, et de Sarah. Leur premier été au coeur de l''immense prairie américaine est torride. La pluie tant attendue ne vient pas, la sécheresse devient catastrophique. Sarah emmène alors les deux enfants dans son pays à elle, au bord de la mer qu''ils n''ont jamais vue... Une histoire qui montre que la vie, si elle est parfois difficile, peut être toujours heureuse.